Ali Eyal: Processing Trauma Through Art
When Ali Eyal was just nine years old, his mother took him and his siblings to an amusement park in Baghdad. Little did he know that this would be the last time he saw his homeland in a peaceful state. Shortly after their visit, the United States launched airstrikes across Iraq, marking the beginning of a nearly decade-long war that would forever alter Eyal’s life.
Reflecting on this pivotal moment, Eyal shared with Hyperallergic how he felt like he lost his childhood amidst the chaos of war. His experiences, including the disappearance of his father during a holy pilgrimage, have deeply influenced his art-making process. Eyal’s work spans various mediums, from painting and drawing to installation and video, as he seeks to process the trauma, grief, and innocence lost during his formative years.
One of Eyal’s most recent oil paintings, “Look Where I Took You” (2026), debuted at the prestigious Whitney Biennial. The artwork depicts a nightmarish scene at the amusement park, with eerie imagery symbolizing the horrors of war and the loss of innocence. Through his art, Eyal shares his personal story of growing up in a war-torn country and the impact it had on his family.
Eyal’s father’s disappearance remains a core memory that haunts him to this day. Despite his efforts to search for his father in forensic hospitals and military bases, he was never found. This loss of a parent at such a young age left Eyal feeling like he had lost his childhood prematurely.
In his artworks, Eyal explores themes of memory, loss, and resilience. Pieces like “The road to an unknown hand” (2024) and “Please look where they took us” (2026) delve into the emotions surrounding his father’s disappearance and the aftermath of war on his family. Accompanied by poignant narratives from his childhood, Eyal’s works offer viewers a glimpse into his personal journey of healing and remembrance.
While Eyal’s art is deeply rooted in his traumatic experiences, he also infuses moments of beauty and tenderness into his work. From capturing his mother’s fascination with a moldy orange to incorporating vibrant sunsets that symbolize both hope and darkness, Eyal’s art is a reflection of the complexities of his past and present.
Despite using his artwork as a form of healing, Eyal acknowledges that the trauma from his past continues to linger. Recent events of conflict in the region have reignited feelings of fear and helplessness, highlighting the ongoing impact of war on his life and art practice.
As Eyal navigates his journey of processing trauma through art, his work serves as a powerful testimony to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Through storytelling and visual imagery, Eyal invites viewers to empathize with his experiences and reflect on the enduring effects of war on individuals and communities.
In conclusion, Ali Eyal’s art is a testament to the power of creativity in healing and remembrance. By sharing his personal story through his artwork, Eyal invites us to confront the realities of war and the lasting impact it has on those who have lived through it.
